Wayne Caron Memorial Page

Words from Amy Barnett

2008-01-16T06:44:07Z

I know so much time has passed already but I just heard of Wayne's passing this morning. He was truly instrumental in my last 2 years as an undergrad at the U. We struggled together, not just as a teacher and a student but as a team working toward the same goal. I may not have made it through those times without his constant willingness help me see the true purpose of his teachings. The last time I saw Wayne was at my graduation where HE asked to take a picture with ME! I am grateful to have met him and know that this world is not the same without his compassion and understanding.
Amy Barnett (Mullins) (Eden Prairie, MN)

Words from Ana Memedovich

2008-01-04T22:51:43Z

It took this long for me to be able to write about the loss of Wayne and about the greatness of knowing him. Wayne's family said that they enjoyed reading this...so just for them...one more testament of how wonderful Wayne was, how much of an impact he had on his friends and how time does not take away the pain of losing him. Just like many said, he adored you Chris, he talked about you all the time and he was extremely proud of you. I think he was the happiest as your father. After the 35W bridge collapse, Wayne told me that if he was to die tomorrow, he will die as a happy and accomplished man. He added, though, that he has no such plans since he believed that life would bring him many more great things in the years to come. His optimism, acceptance, kindness, caring and certain vulnerabilities made us all more human, they made us all better people, better parents. Wayne's greatest gift would be to know that Chris does well from now on, as he always had faith that he would.

-Ana Memedovich (Roseville, MN)

Wayne's Spark

2007-11-03T03:12:25Z

I first met Wayne in my very first class in Family Social Science, and transfered quickly into that program. His humor, and spark make the class an incredible experience. I later found myself excited about research, thanks to Wayne. I cannot thank him enough for his patience, his openness, his warmth, his humor, his em-passioned disposition, his help, his guidance, his dreams that he was kind enough to let me and others be a part of and his kind being. Wayne had a presence and spark I will never forget. Thank you Wayne for letting me journey with you for a while and encouraging me to explore my own.

Bridget Pollack-Naber

Thanks from Pam Mitman

2007-10-28T13:25:56Z

I just wanted to say thank you once again to all who attended Wayne's memorial on Friday. The tears and laughter were very healing. Darlyne Bailey, Jan McCulloch, and Bill Doherty did a wonderful job in presenting the service, and hearing memories from the families and faculty and staff reinforced our love. A memory book--a beautiful brown leather album--was presented to Wayne's son Chris. There were also pictures and videos of Wayne playing before and after the gathering.

I can't tell you what it means to have the Family Caregiving Center remain open. This is a beautiful way to keep Wayne in our hearts and memories. Naming it after him is icing on the cake. Thank you for keeping it alive.

Pam Mitman

The Wayne Caron Family Caregiving Center

2007-10-27T16:35:47Z

Wayne's vast, diverse social network said farewell, corporately, yesterday afternoon. About 150 people jammed the Fireplace Room in McNeal Hall and the crowd overflowed into the hallway, but no one seemed to mind the cramped quarters. Now two months after his untimely and surprising death, his memory still evokes incredible affection and admiration. The stories shared were moving - lots of laughter and lots of tears. But the highlight was Dean Bayley's announcement that the university values the Family Caregiving Center so much, that it is naming it after Wayne. So henceforth it will be the Wayne Caron Family Caregiving Center. The enterprise he struggled so hard in life to sustain has new life, following his death. One of life's bittersweet paradoxes.

Memorial Service for Wayne Caron - TODAY Oct 26

2007-10-26T14:00:20Z

The Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, invites you to attend a memorial service in celebration of the life and service of Dr. Wayne Caron from 3:00 - 4:30 on Friday, October 26, 2007 in room 274 McNeal Hall, St. Paul campus.

We welcome you to attend this remembrance of our colleague who was such a great teacher and an inspiration, mentor, friend, and caring professional to those who experience Alzheimer's Disease within their families.

We continue to collect your reflections, stories, photos, and comments about Wayne. If you wish to post anything on this Memorial Page, please e-mail your contribution to caron@umn.edu

Note from Joel Imrie

2007-10-26T03:10:27Z

Being a male student in the Family Social Science Department, it was
difficult to find my place. Going to Dr. Caron's lectures was inspiring,
entertaining, and above all intellectual. He showed me pride and honor and
I will always remember him.

Joel Imrie
Family Social Science Graduate 2006
Americorps NCCC Member 2007

Words from Martha Tonn

2007-10-24T01:16:57Z

Wayne. You were a jewel, a gem. When we were teenagers you were already the caretaker, the warm friend, the sweetest of hearts. I was blessed to meet your family. I wish them all strength and gentleness. May all of us find that as time passes our memories will feel less bitter-tainted by your loss-and more sweet. Goodbye my friend.

Note from Karen Irvin

2007-10-24T01:10:31Z

I first met Wayne when he came to Hennepin County Domestic Relations as part of a research team studying "Conflict Resolution Counseling," (which evolved into mediation services for separating and divorcing families.) His intelligence and knack for research were immediately clear; but he combined them with humor and warmth that later led to him being hired to provide services to these families.

Wayne became "family" to me when he and my niece married and had a son, Christopher. Although we did not see each other often, as our work was taking us in different directions, we were able to connect a few times every year, either at family or professional events. It was always a warm, enthusiatic reunion, laced with humor and memories of our days at "DR."

The other thing I will always remember about Wayne is his assistance as I attempted to complete my doctorate. I don't know if I still hold the record (I believe my good friend Cara Beames may be in competition!!), but it was a long, slow process for me to decide and then complete the dissertation. Wayne assured me that I could do it and that he could help. He made the research and statistical components clear and even fun to sort out and understand. He relieved my anxiety about a process in which I felt less than adequate, and, again, he always did so with humor and respect.

I am sad to think that I will not be seeing the twinkle in Wayne's eyes as he smiled and laughed and that I will no longer hear his "take" on developments in the field of marriage and family therapy.

Fondly, Karen Irvin

Note from Szu-Yi Peng

2007-10-24T01:08:16Z

I knew Wayne from the very beginning of my time in the Family Social Science department. He interviewed me when I was applying to the MFT program. I thank him for presenting my case to the faculty and got me admitted to the program. Wayne invited me to do co-therapy in his private practice and be invovled in the Family Caregiving Center, when he knew that I needed some clinical hours to complete my master's requirement. I thank him for reaching out his hands to me when help was very much needed. After I completed my hours, I stopped going to the FCC for a period of time. But he continued to check in with me about how I was doing. I thank him for genuinely showing that he cared about me as an international student in the program. When I decided not to TA for him because of personal reason and he needed to find someone else in the last minute, he supported me through my difficult time even if I created inconveniences in his work. I thank him for his understanding and great encouragement.

I may not be able to pay Wayne back directly for what he did for me, but I will definitely carry on what he has taught me about being a daughter, a student, a therapist, and a teacher. His spirit will definitely be living in my heart forever.

Szu-Yi Peng (St. Paul, MN)

Words from Kathryn Mitchell

2007-10-18T16:13:45Z

Today as I watched the sweaty, suffering masses run the Twin Cities marathon, I remembered the last time I saw Wayne. He was at the marathon with a group of folks cheering on a woman who was running for her impaired father, and raising funds for Wayne's Caregiving Center programs. I was struck today by both the absence and the presence of Wayne now. Somehow he is always there and yet there is this hole of absence left by his sudden death. The challenge left, for those of us who had the great honor to know him, will be to live in a way that honors his life. One of his childhood friends talked of his constant effort to not just be himself, but to improve. He constantly worked on himself and worked with his families and clients in just this same very caring and thoughtful way. Somehow his legacy has got to be about this unusual characteristic. No more "This is just who I am", rather I am working toward being, deeper, more thoughtful, caring, more loving, more human.....
-Kathryn Mitchell (Saint Paul, MN)

Words from Kristen Mastel

2007-10-18T15:28:29Z

I had one class this past winter with Prof. Caron and it was one of the most applicable and interesting courses of my life. It was on the topic of aging, and he really challenged my thought on Alzheimer’s, especially since everyone of my family member over 70 have been diagnosed with “dementia.�? However, after creating a life plan, I feel much more at ease with the thought of someday not recognizing my loved ones, etc. He really had a way to connect with every student at every age level, and understand how important it is stop think of aging right now, and never lose sight of your goals.

He was a fabulous instructor and a champion for libraries! I thank him for all that he taught me, and wish I could have learned more! My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.

Respectfully, Kristen Mastel

Message from Heidi Stone

2007-10-10T19:33:17Z

I just got word, almost 2 months later...but it doesnt make it less shocking.

Its been some time that Ive been in Dr. Caron's classes, but the impression he left is still with me. He was a great professor and one could tell it was definately his passion, teaching and reaching out to others. He had a huge heart and always lended an ear, as so many professors in FSoS do. I feel extremely blessed to have known him and my hope is his family knows how many lives he really did touch.

Words from Hope

2007-10-07T22:31:43Z

Wayne, your loving kindness will always go with me.
Hope

Words from K Staehle

2007-09-20T14:33:19Z

I am absolutely shocked to hear of Dr. Caron's passing. He was by far one of the best professors that I have ever had. I took his "Intimate Relations" class my sophmore year when I had no idea what I wanted to major in, and 2 1/2 years later I left the U with a degree in FSoS. His was a brilliant teacher and a wonderful person, and I am a better person for having met him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

K Staehle (Plymouth, MN)